Underbed hitch mounting system

ABSTRACT

An underbed hitch mounting system is described. The mounting system may be utilized for towing vehicles wherein the mounting system may selectively accommodate either a fifth wheel hitch or a gooseneck hitch. The mounting system may include at least one rail capable of being connected to a vehicle frame, wherein the rail includes at least one socket. The socket may be engaged with a receiving member, wherein the receiving member may be engaged with a leg of a fifth wheel hitch. A mid rail may be connected to the rails and may include a hitch ball socket that is capable of engagement with a hitch.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/790,134, entitled “Underbed Hitch Mounting System,” filed Mar. 8, 2013, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/609,062, entitled “Underbed Hitch Mounting System,” filed Oct. 30, 2009, now. U.S. Pat. No. 8,414,009 which claims benefit from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/197,732, entitled “Underbed Hitch Mounting System,” filed on Oct. 30, 2008, which are all hereby incorporated in their entirety by reference.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention is generally related to a towing apparatus and, more particularly, to an underbed hitch mounting system.

BACKGROUND

Many vehicles are designed to transport freight, goods, merchandise, personal property, and other such cargo. Often, a hitch assembly is utilized to connect a towed vehicle or trailer to a towing vehicle, such as a truck for example, to increase the capacity to transport goods. Many types of coupling devices have been developed for providing this connection between a towing vehicle and a towed vehicle.

It is well known to utilize a trailer hitch to connect a trailer to a towing vehicle. There are many different types of trailer hitches that may be attached to the towing vehicle in a variety of ways, depending on the type of hitch to be used. Some of the most common types of hitches include gooseneck, fifth wheel, front mount, and the like. Often, the type of hitch used to connect a trailer and a vehicle is determined by the size, shape and other features of the trailer. For example, large trailers such as semi trailers and campers often require a fifth wheel hitch, whereas, small and midsized trailers, such as boat trailers, are better suited for gooseneck trailer hitches. Typically, trailers are connected to a towing vehicle by way of a ball hitch secured to the vehicle and a ball socket coupling mechanism on the trailer that mounts over the ball and thereby allows for the trailer to pivot behind the towing vehicle.

Due to the size and weight of many trailers, towing a trailer may cause unsafe conditions for the towing vehicle, such as fishtailing or other unsafe effects. To avoid these unwanted effects, it is preferable to evenly balance and distribute the weight of the trailer over the wheels of the towing vehicle. This is best accomplished by connecting the hitch to the frame or base of the towing vehicle, near the vehicle's center of gravity. Accordingly, fifth wheel and gooseneck hitches mounted to pickup trucks are often connected to the truck frame underneath the bed of the truck.

Traditional fifth wheel hitches include a head assembly for receiving a king pin on a trailer, a base having a plurality of legs, and one or more mounting rails. The mounting rails may be permanently fixed to the frame of a vehicle, such as a pickup truck. For example, the mounting rails may be connected between two portions of a pickup truck frame underneath the truck bed. The mounting rails may include a plurality of holes for receiving the legs of the fifth wheel hitch.

Corresponding openings may be cut in the truck bed and aligned with the holes in the mounting rails. The legs of the fifth wheel hitch may be connected to holes in the mounting rails through the openings in the truck bed, thereby securing the fifth wheel hitch to the frame of the truck. When the fifth wheel hitch is not in use, the legs may be disconnected from the holes in the rails and the hitch may be removed from the bed of the truck. Caps may be placed over the holes to allow the truck bed to be used for other purposes.

Traditional gooseneck hitches also mount to a pickup truck frame, beneath the bed of a truck. A gooseneck hitch is designed for use in a pickup truck similar to a fifth wheel. The difference is that the gooseneck uses a ball and coupler verses a kingpin and pin receiver. Gooseneck hitches include a mounting plate configured to connect to the frame of a truck, a receptacle in the mounting plate configured to receive a ball hitch, and a hitch ball removably connected to the receptacle and configured to engage a coupling member of the trailer. An opening in the bed of the truck is aligned with the receptacle in the mounting plate, allowing the hitch ball to connect to the receptacle through the opening in the truck bed. The hitch balls themselves are typically removable or retractable so that when the hitch is not in use, the hitch ball may be removed or retracted when not in use, so as not to obstruct the bed of the pick-up truck in any significant manner.

Towing vehicles are generally arranged to accommodate either a fifth wheel hitch or a gooseneck hitch, but not both. To convert a towing vehicle from accommodating a fifth wheel hitch to a gooseneck hitch or vice versa is time and labor intensive and inefficient. Furthermore, both fifth wheel hitches and gooseneck hitches are preferably mounted to the vehicle frame near the vehicle's center of gravity. However, since fifth wheel hitches and gooseneck hitches use different mounting configurations, traditionally only one hitch can occupy this location. Therefore, there is a need in the art for an improved apparatus for towing vehicles that allow for selectively accommodating either a fifth wheel hitch or a gooseneck hitch.

SUMMARY

An underbed hitch mounting system is described. The mounting system may be utilized for towing vehicles wherein the mounting system may selectively accommodate either a fifth wheel hitch or a gooseneck hitch. The mounting system may include at least one rail capable of being connected to a vehicle frame, wherein the rail includes at least one socket. The socket may be engaged with a receiving member, wherein the receiving member may be engaged with a leg of a fifth wheel hitch. A mid rail may be connected to the rails and may include a hitch ball socket that is capable of engagement with a hitch.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Objects and advantages together with the operation of the invention may be better understood by reference to the following detailed description taken in connection with the following illustrations, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective and partially exploded view of an underbed hitch mounting system in an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a rail assembly.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an adapter plate.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of an underbed hitch mounting system in an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of the underbed hitch mounting system of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of the underbed hitch mounting system.

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of embodiments of an underbed hitch mounting system with a fifth wheel hitch in phantom immediately over the underbed hitch mounting system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural and functional changes may be made without departing from the respective scope of the invention. As such, the following description is presented by way of illustration only and should not limit in any way the various alternatives and modifications that may be made to the illustrated embodiments and still be within the spirit and scope of the invention.

FIGS. 1-7 illustrate an underbed hitch mounting system 10. The underbed hitch mounting system 10 may be used with towing vehicles that allow for selectively accommodating either a fifth wheel hitch 55 or a gooseneck hitch. Trailer hitches, such as a gooseneck or fifth wheel hitch 55 may be mounted to a truck bed. These types of hitches are often mounted beneath the truck bed in conjunction with the truck's own frame rails 52, such as with cross members or rails 20, for example.

The underbed hitch mounting system 10 may include at least one rail mount or cross member 20 and at least one mid rail or adapter plate 40. For example, the mounting system 10 may include two rails 20 and one mid rail or adapter plate 40. The rails 20 may be configured to support a gooseneck hitch (not shown) or a fifth wheel hitch 55. Typical fifth wheel hitches 55 may include a plurality of legs 57 to connect the hitch to a vehicle. While the underbed hitch mounting system 10 may be shown and described as having two rails 20 and one mid rail or adapter plate 40, it is to be understood that there may be any appropriate number of rails or adapter plates and it should not be limited to that shown and described herein.

The rails 20 may be of any appropriate shape or size, such as a generally tubular, square or rectangular shape. Each rail 20 may include one or more sockets 30 (FIGS. 1, 2 and 4-6). The sockets 30 may be of any appropriate shaper or size, such as a generally ovular, circular or rectangular shape. The sockets 30 may be configured to receive and support the legs 57 of a fifth wheel hitch 55. The legs 57 may be secured to the rails 20 through the sockets 30 by any appropriate means, such as by fasteners, being welded, or the like.

The rails 20 may include connecting holes or mounting apertures 28 (FIGS. 1, 2 and 4-6). The mounting apertures 28 may be of any appropriate shape or size, such as a generally circular, ovular or rectangular shape. There may be any number of appropriate mounting apertures 28 and should not be limited to that shown and described herein.

The mounting apertures 28 may be utilized for connecting another member to the rails 20, such as the adapter plate 40 or attachment brackets 54 (see FIGS. 1, 2 and 4). The mounting apertures 28 may also be used to connect the rails 20 of the hitch mounting system 10 to the underbed of the towing vehicle frame 52. For example, the rails 20 may be connected to the towing vehicle frame 52, such as underneath the truck bed (not shown).

The rails 20 may include one or more attachment brackets 54 (FIG. 2). For example, the mounting system 10 may have two attachment brackets 54. The attachment brackets 54 may be utilized for connecting the rails 20 to the frame 52. The rails 20 may be connected to the attachment brackets 54 by any appropriate means, such as with fasteners, welding or the like. The attachment brackets 54 may be of any appropriate shape or size, such as a general L-shape, rectangular plate or the like. The attachment brackets 54 may be sized and shaped to engage a vehicle frame.

Typical vehicle frames 52 may include two parallel steel members. An end of each rail 20 may connect to a first member of the frame 52 and an opposite end of the rail 20 may connect to a second member of the vehicle frame 52 (FIG. 2). The cross members or rails 20 may extend between the mounting brackets 54. The rails 20 may be of a length sufficient to span the distance between the mounting brackets 54 when those brackets engage the vehicle framework 52. The attachment brackets 54 may form a generally L-shaped bracket to engage the frame 52. The attachment brackets 54 may be attached to the frame 52 by any appropriate means, such as with fasteners, welding or the like.

The mid rail or adapter plate 40 may be of any appropriate shape or size, such as a generally rectangular or tubular shape that may span the length between the rails 20 (FIGS. 1 and 4). The mid rail or adapter plate 40 may be configured to connect to the rails 20. The mid rail or adapter plate 40 may be attached to the rails by any appropriate means, such as with fasteners, welding or the like.

The adapter plate 40 may be of a one piece construction or may include several sections that may be secured together. The adapter plate 40 may include a center section 32 and one or more mounting sections 34 extending therefrom. For example, there may be two mounting sections 34 (FIG. 3). As an alternative, there may be no mounting sections 34, such that the center section may be attached directly to the rails 20 (FIGS. 4-6).

The center section 32 may be located between the mounting sections 32. The mounting sections 34 may extend at a downward angle and away from the center section 32, such that the center section 32 may be positioned above the mounting sections 34. The mounting sections 34 may extend in opposite directions away from the center section 32.

The mounting sections 34 may engage the rails 20 at any appropriate location, such as the underside of the rails 20. The mounting sections 34 may be configured to connect to the rails 20 by any appropriate means, such as with fasteners, welding or the like. When the mid rail 40 is connected to the rails 20, the center section 32 may be approximately flush with and parallel to the rails 20 (FIGS. 3 and 4). When the mounting section 34 engages the rails 20, the mounting sections 34 may be approximately parallel to the rails 20. Each mounting section 34 may include one or more openings or rail mounting apertures 38. The mounting apertures 38 may be configured to align with the mounting apertures 28 in the rails 20. The mounting apertures 38 may be of any appropriate shape or size, such as a generally circular, ovular or rectangular shape.

The adapter plate or mid rail 40 may also include a base member 36 (FIGS. 3 and 6). The base member 36 may be of any appropriate shape or size, such as a generally square, rectangular or tubular shape. The base member 36 may be attached to the bottom of the adapter plate or mid rail 40. The base member 36 may be attached to the mid rail 40 by any appropriate means, such as by welding, fasteners or the like. The base member 36 may also be secured to the rails 20, such as on the underside of the rails 20 (FIGS. 4 and 6).

The adapter plate or mid rail 40 may be configured to receive a hitch ball 18 (see FIGS. 3 and 4-6). For example, the center section 32 may include a hitch ball socket 42 that may be configured to receive the hitch ball 18. The hitch ball socket 42 may be of any appropriate shape or size, such as a generally cylindrical shape. The hitch ball socket 42 may be located at any appropriate position on the adapter plate 40, such as the approximate center of the adapter plate 40. For example, the hitch ball socket 42 may be configured to receive a removable hitch ball 18 with spring-loaded ball bearings. It should be appreciated, however, that the receptacle may be configured to receive any appropriate type of hitch ball 18 and should not be limited to that shown or described herein.

The hitch ball socket 42 may include a raised collar 46 and a cap 48 (FIG. 3). The raised collar 46 may be of any appropriate shape or size, such as one that may extend above and approximately perpendicularly to the surface of the center section 32. The cap 48 may be of any appropriate shape or size, such as one that may engage the collar 46 and cover the hitch ball socket 42 when a hitch ball 18 is not connected to the hitch ball socket 42.

FIGS. 4-6 illustrate another embodiment of the underbed hitch mounting system 10. The underbed hitch mounting system 10 may utilize a puck mounting system whereby the trailer hitch may be installed in the pickup truck bed with only four small holes (not shown). Utilizing a puck mounting system may provide uninhibited use of the truck bed when the hitch is dismounted. The puck mounting system may also provide for a wider platform and mounting surface, which increases the stability. The puck mounting system may be used with any appropriate trailer hitch mounting kit, such as those that utilize rail mounts or cross members 20 for example, such as with the “Signature Series” produced and sold by Cequent.

The underbed hitch mounting system 10 may include at least two rails or cross members 20. The cross members 20 may include sockets 30 for attachment with a puck or receiving member 44. The cross members 20 may be attached to the vehicle framework 52 by any appropriate means, such as with fasteners, by welding or the like.

Holes may be drilled in the truck bed corresponding to the locations of the sockets 30 in the rails 20 and the hitch ball socket 42. A fifth wheel hitch may be removably connected to the sockets 30 in the rails 20 through the holes located in the truck bed. A hitch ball 18 may be removably connected to the hitch ball socket 42 through the hole in the truck bed, whereby a gooseneck hitch may be utilized.

The cross members 20 may be mounted to the truck bed with the use of the receiving members 44. Each receiving member 44 may be mounted in a socket 30 provided in either of the cross members 20. The receiving member 40 may be secured in the socket 30 by any appropriate means, such as with fasteners, welding or the like. For example, a fastener, such as a bolt, could pass through an aperture in the bottom wall of the cross member 20 and be secured in place by a cooperating nut and lock washer (not shown) if desired.

The puck or receiving member 44 may be of any appropriate shape or size, such as a cylindrical, oval, or a square shape, for example, and should not be limited to that shown and described herein. The receiving member 44 may be a one-piece integrally formed member. Each receiving member 44 may also include an aperture 56 that may receive an accessory member 60. The aperture 56 may also be correspondingly shaped and sized to receive the accessory member 60. Any number or variety of accessories 60 may be utilized with the receiving members 44. The accessory member 60 may be any appropriate or desired type of object, such as a cap or a safety chain tie down member. For example, caps (not shown) may be placed over the receiving members 44 or holes in the truck bed when the hitch is not in use.

FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate an integrally formed mounting system 10, whereby the receiving members 44 may be formed within the cross members 20. FIG. 6 illustrates a mounting system 10 where the receiving members 44 may be placed and secured into sockets 30 located within the cross members 20. The cross members 20 may be attached to one another by the mid rail 40. The hitch ball socket 42 and corresponding hitch ball 18 may be located on the mid rail 40 (FIGS. 4-6).

The underbed hitch mounting system 10 may include any number or variety of mounting flanges 26 and mounting apertures 28 (FIGS. 4-6). The mounting flanges 26 may be of any appropriate shape or size, such as generally rectangular or circular. The mounting flanges 26 may be located at any appropriate position on the rails 20, such as adjacent or at the ends of the rails 20. The mounting apertures 28 may be located in or around the mounting flanges 26. The mounting apertures 28 and mounting flanges 26 may aid in attached the mounting system 10 to the underbed of the towing vehicle or the vehicle framework 52.

The invention has been described with reference to the embodiments. Obviously, modifications and alternations will occur to others upon a reading and understanding of this specification. The claims as follows are intended to include all modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the claim or an equivalent thereof. 

Having thus described the invention, we claim:
 1. An underbed hitch mounting system comprising: at least one tubular member having a cross-sectional shape a substantial portion of which is defined by an enclosed peripheral wall with a generally hollow section; a central member attached to said at least one tubular member, said central member having a socket; and a pair of receiving members attached with said at least one tubular member, said receiving members configured to engage an accessory member.
 2. The underbed hitch mounting system of claim 1, where said socket is configured to have secured thereto a hitch ball.
 3. The underbed hitch mounting system of claim 1, wherein said accessory member includes a leg of a fifth wheel hitch.
 4. The underbed hitch mounting system of claim 1, wherein said at least one tubular member includes a pair of tubular members with said central member positioned between said pair of tubular members.
 5. The underbed hitch mounting system of claim 4, wherein said pair of receiving members are attached with one of said pair of tubular members.
 6. The underbed hitch mounting system of claim 5 further comprising a second pair of receiving members attached with a second one of said at least one tubular members, said receiving members configured to engage the accessory member.
 7. The underbed hitch mounting system of claim 1, wherein said accessory member includes a safety chain tie down member.
 8. The underbed hitch mounting system of claim 1, wherein said pair of receiving members are spaced apart from one another. 